Swab applicator



March 10, 1959 s. w. GLICKSTON 2,876,501;

SWAB APPLICATOR Filed April e, 1956 FIG. l.

I INVENTOR.

SAMUEL w. GL/CKSTON BY ATTORNEYS United States Patent SWAB APPLICATORSamuel W. Glickston, Rockville Center, N. Y. Application April 6, 1956,Serial No. 576,553

3 Claims. (Cl. 19-149 My invention relates to a new and improved swabapplicator, of the type which is made of absorbent cotton and which isordinarily used to apply a medicament to living tissue such as the eyesor nostrils. The invention also includes a new and improved method formaking said applicator, and new and improved mechanism for making thesame. The-invention includes the improved applicator, irrespective ofthe method and apparatus used for making the same.

It is well known to make a swab .applicator which consists of. alongitudinal stick or other mandrel, which has a wad or swab of soft andabsorbent cotton or other material wrapped transversely and spirallyaround one or both ends of the stick or mandrel. Such applicatordevices, and mechanism for making the same, are disclosed in U. S.Patents Nos. 1,652,108; 1,721,815; 1,921,604; 1,997,467; 2,006,539;2,090,354; 2,430,648; 2,705,009.

In making a conventional swab of absorbent cotton or other material, itis well known to bond one end of a thin wad or strip of absorbent cottonto a stick, as by means of an aqueous adhesive. The wad is then woundspirally around the stick, in two or more abutting layers. The end ofthe spirally wound wad extends beyond the end of the stick. A finishingadhesive, such as an aqueous adhesive, is then applied to the surface ofthe spirally wound wad. This surface, finishing adhesive penetrates allthe spirally wound layers and binds them to each other. This finishing,binding adhesive is then dried or set. The resultant conventional driedtip has its original wrapped shape. Such conventional dried tip is ofuniform slight density, and it is soft and easily compressed anddeformed. It has little or no cushioning effect when the stick isapplied under pressure.

When the applicator is applied under normal pressure, the conventionaltip easily bends and flattens, so that the tissue is subjected to thelongitudinal or lateral pressure of the stick.

According to this invention, I can make an initial tip in the usualmanner. This initial tip is easily shaped and molded and compressed whenthe finishing adhesive is wet. While said finishing adhesive is wet, Irevolve the initial tip in unison with the stick around the axis of thestick.

I apply shaping pressure upon said initial revolving tip, by means of apressure-applying surface which is urged radially inwardly toward theaxis of the stick, so that the tip revolves relative to saidpressure-applying surface.

I thus reshape the initial tip, while said finishing adhesive is wet.Preferably, the initial tip is thus reshaped, immediately after thefinishing adhesive has been applied and penetrated the layers of theinitial tip.

I thus provide a new tip, a part of which projects beyond the end of thestick. This projecting part of the new tip has a head at its outer end,and a neck which joins said head to the tip-body which remains bonded tothe stick. This neck is densified by the shaping pressure, so that, asone example, the density of the neck is .twice the density of thecorresponding zone of the original tip. The outer head is alsodensified. The adhesive of the new tip is then dried, thus setting thenew tip in its new densified shape.

The projecting part of the new tip may be eo-axial with the stick.

Due to the increase in density of the new set tip, its projecting partremains firm when said new set tip is dry or when it is wetted. Undernormal applicator pressure, the new set tip, either wet or dry, does notbend or flatten, thus providing an effective cushion. The head of thenew. set tip is absorbent, so that the applicator can be .used in theusual manner.

The shape of the new head may be a ball-shape, a knobshape or acylindrical shape. The diameter of the new head is preferably at leastequal to the diameter .of the stick.

It is highly preferred to provide a ball-head of unequal density, withminimum density at the tip of the'uew ball-. head.

This new set tip can be conveniently used for applying liquid coloringmatter and for many other uses. The newtip may be impregnated with awater-soluble dye and the dry tip can be immersed in water, in order toapply the dissolved dye in said tip. Since the new tip does notsubstantially bend or flatten under normal pressure, a fine line can bedrawn.

It is highly preferred to shape the projecting end-part of the originaltip by intermittent pressure of said pres: sure-applying surface.

Without limitation thereto, I prefer to make ,a ball-' head, and toprovide the outer end of the tip-body with a convex shape, so that theneckis groove-shaped.

The new tip preferably has a circular cross-section in each transverseplane which is perpendicular to the axis of the stick.

For this purpose, the initial tip has a conical shape, with its widestend at the outer end of said initial tip.

The invention is further disclosed in the annexed drawings and in thefollowing description.

Fig. 1 is an elevation, partially in vertical section, which. shows theimproved tip at each end of a cylindrical stick.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a rigid former or shaper, which is usedto apply the reshaping or shaping force to the original tip, while saidoriginal tip is in wet, moldable and compressible condition.

Fig. 3 is an elevation, partially in vertical section, which shows acompletely formed initial or preliminary tip, whose longitudinalprojection beyond the end of the longitudinal stick is subsequentlyreshaped to provide the improved shape of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section, partially in elevation, which shows theformer in active reshaping or shaping position- Fig. 5 is an endelevation which diagrammatically illustrates the mechanism for twirlingor revolving the stick, and the mechanism for vertically reciprocatingthe formers from a lower idle position below the spirally. wound piecesor wads of absorbent cotton, and to an upper active shaping position inwhich the formers con tact with the spirally wound pieces or wads ofabsorbent cotton and shape them to the form of Fig. 4.

Fig. 6 is a section on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 1 is to scale. In one illustrative commercial device, the length ofthe stick 2 is substantially 2.875 inches; and its diameter issubstantially one-twelfth of an inch. In said illustrative commercialdevice; the thickest part of swab-body 3a of the new tip T has adiameter of substantially three-sixteenths of an inch. At. the narrowestpart of the groove 10a of tip T of said: illustrative. commercialdevice, the diameter of tip T is one-eighth of an inch to fivethirty-seconds of an inch.

In said illustrative commercial device, the axial length of tip '1beyond the adjacent tip of stick .2 is substantially 0.2 inch to 0.3inch.

The scale of Fig. 1 is close to twice the scale of said illustrativecommercial device.

.Fig. 3 is .to the same scale as Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 shows the initial spirally wound tip 3, which is made as abovedescribed. This initial tip 3 is of conical shape, with a convex end 4.

The initial or original tip 31is shaped to form the improved tip T,while the binder of said original tip 3 is still wet and unset.Preferably, the initial or original tip .3 is thus reshaped, immediatelyafter said original tip 3 has been formed. The reshaped tip T is thendried, .or its adhesive is otherwise set, thus retaining the set tip Tin its densified shape of Fig. l.

The "improved tip T has a circular cross-section in each transverseplane which is perpendicular to the axis of stick 2.

The initial tip 3 and the improved tip T are of the same length, as canbe readily seen by comparing Fig. l and Fig. 3.

The improved, set tip T is inwardly densified.

The densiiication of tip T relative to the slight density of the initialtip 3, can be ascertained by comparing the transverse or verticaldimensions of tip T in Fig. l, with corresponding transverse dimensionsin the same respective transverse zone of the initial tip 3 in Fig. 3.

Thus, the reference numerals a and 10b define the same vertical zones intip T and tip 3. The density of tip T at the transverse or vertical zoneof 16a is substantially twice its density in zone 10b.

The point D defines the maximum diameter ofballhead B.

This point D corresponds to point DD .of Fig. 3.

The density of ball-head B in the vertical zone .of point ,D is about130% of its density at point DD.

The points lite and idea define corresponding vertical zones. It isclear that ball-head B is onlyslightly densified in the vertical zone ofpoint 160.

Hence the densification at the tip of ball-head B is slight. Saiddensification increases towards the maxi mum vertical diameter ofball-head B, and further increases towards the groove-neck 10a.

Since absorbent cotton cannot be shaped with absolute precision informing tip T, the shape shown in Fig. l is approximate.

However, by providing a neck or groove 16a of maximum density, close tothe respective end of stick 2, the dry or wet head B remainssubstantially axially alined with the stick 2 and acts as aneifectivecushion in the dry and wet condition of tip T, under normal applicatorpressure.

As shown in Fig. l, the diameter of ball-head B is greater than thediameter of the cylindrical stick 2, and the longitudinal distancebetween the groove-junction 10a and the respective end of stick 2 isless than the diameter of ball-head B. Due to this short distancebetween ball-head B and the respective end of stick 2, any bendingmovement of head B is limited. Also the rounded convex end of tip-body3a limits any binding movement of head B relative to stick 2.

Fig. 2 shows a rigid former F, which has a planar bottom or outer face11. For convenience, it is assumed that this bottom, outer face 11 is inthe horizontal position, and that the longitudinal axis of stick 2 isalso horizontal when the former F is applied. When said former F isused, the plane of said bottom, outer face 11 is horizontal and parallelto the longitudinal, horizontalaxis of stick 2.

The inner face of former F has a recess 8, whose smooth wall is ofpart-cylindrical shape in this embodi' ment. Said part-cylindricalrecess 8 has parallel and lateral edges 9 and 10. These edges aresufficiently blunt to' prevent tearing or cutting the absorbent cottonC. Whensaid former F 'is applied to "the wet, iuitial'unset tip 3., saidlateral edges 9 and 10 are pe p ndicular to the longitudinal axis ofstick 2. The inner face of former F also has an end-recess 12. This hasa smooth face whose blunt lateral edge 14 is parallel to said lateraledges 9 and 10. The representation of the former F in Fig. 4 is toscale. As shown in Fig. 4, the blunt lateral edge 10 is below ortransversely further away from the longitudinal axis of stick 2 than thelateral blunt edge 9. Also, the smooth face-wall of recess 12 has apart-cylindrical shape adjacent lateral edge 10, and the other outerpart of said smooth face-wall of recess 12 has a planar shape, which isinclined towards the longitudinal axis of stick 2. When the former F isin active position in contact with the unset tip 3, said former F maycontact with said initial wet and moldable tip 3 along the entireface-wall of recess 12, or only adjacent the part-cylindrical portion ofsaid face-wall of recess .12. The plane of wall 11 is parallel to thelongitudinal axis of stick 2 in Fig. 4.

For purposes of illustration, it is assumed that a single,preliminary,.completely formed, wet and unset tip 3 has been made ateach end of stick 2, and that each longitudinally projecting part ofsaid initial unset tip 3 is to be reshaped to form the improved tip orswab T.

The preferred method of doing this is illustrated in Figs. 4 and 5.

The usual twirling friction rolls R and Ra are fixed to respectivehorizontal and parallel shafts l8 and .19, to which drive gears G and Gare respectively fixed. These gears G and G mesh with an intermediategear, so that the shafts 18 and 19 and the rolls R and .Ra are revolvedin unison at the same direction, as illustrated by the clockwise arrowsin Fig. 6. These rolls R and Ra are revolved at the same angularvelocity, as at 120 revolutions per minute.

The horizontal stick 2 is located in the usual manner between thefriction rolls R and Ra, which frictionally revolve the stick 2 aboutthe horizontal axis in the counterclockwise direction, as illustrated byarrow 15 in Fig. 4.

The two identical formers F are fixed to a common base 7 by screws 6,whose heads 6a fit in the enlarged frustoconical ends of bores 5 offormer F.

The base 7 is guided for vertical sliding movement in the frame of themachine.

Cam-shaft 17 is horizontal and parallel to shafts 18 and 19.

Said shaft 17 has a gear GA, which can mesh directly with gear G, orwith an intermediate connecting gear. The direction of revolution ofcam-shaft 17 is not important. Cams or eccentrics 16 are fixed tocam-shaft 17. If cams are used, they may have any shape, with one ormore high parts. The vertically slidable base 7 is downwardly biased bygravity or a spring to always contact with the cams or eccentrics 16. Inthis illustration, the members 16 are eccentrics, but they may be camsof any shape.

The shafts 18, 19, 17 and the friction rolls R and Ra may be turned inunison at the same angular speed, as at 120 revolutions per minute, thusrevolving the stick 2 and its preliminary swabs 3 in unison with rolls Rand Ra and the cams or eccentrics 16 at the said rate of 120 revolutionsper minute.

The shaft 17 and its cams or eccentrics 16 may be turned at greater orless angular velocity than shafts 18 and 19. A clutch may be provided toconnect cam-shaft 17 at any selected time to the drive mechanism, whichis conventionally illustrated.

When base ,17 is in. its inactive bottom position, the

two formers -F arebelow and out of contact with the masses of cotton on,stick 2.

Fig. 4 illustrates the top active position of base 7, to which it isverticallyshifted by the cams or eccentrics 16.

- In said top positionand below said top position, the formers :Fcontact with and exert shaping pressure on the masses of cotton onstickz.

Preferably, the shaft 17 is provided with eccentrics 16, and saideccentrics 16 are revolved in unison with rolls R and Ra at the sameangular velocity, and the eccentries 16 are shaped so that the formers Fcontact with the initial, wet, unset tips 3 during about five-sixths ofeach revolution of said tips T.

The rigid formers F may be made of metal, and their recesses 8 and 12may have very smooth and polished faces, so that there is minimumfriction between said faces and the unset tip 3. Hence, although thetips 3 revolve relative to the faces of recesses 8 and 12, there is lowtangential friction against said smooth faces. Also, the adhesive ofinitial tip 3 may be allowed to dry or set partially prior to applyingthe formers F, so that the desired shaping action is secured withoutobjectionably distorting tip 3.

When the formers F are moved upwardly to contact with the revolving tips3, the initial contact is at the smooth and blunt edge 10, whichdensifies the swab 3 by a spinning action, during which the tip 3revolves freely relative to said smooth, straight blunt edge 10.

As the upward movement of the formers F is continued, the same spinningand densifying action is produced by the smooth surfaces of recesses 8and 12, while the tips 3 continue to revolve in unison with stick 2.

The edges 9 and 14 need not contact with the revolving tips 3.

Since the projecting part of each tip 3 is short, actual commercialoperation has shown that the projecting parts of tips 3 remain axiallyalined with stick 2 during the operation of the formers F.

Hence it is not necessary to apply any downward pressure on theprojections of tips 3 during the operation of formers F. The use of saiddownward pressure is optional.

Fig. 4 shows the top position of formers F, in which edge 9 is spacedoutwardly from the tip of ball-head B and edge 14 is spaced inwardlyfrom the cotton tip, and edge 14 is below the revolving stick 2, whosedirection of revolution is indicated by arrow 15.

The stick 2 can be replaced by any type of support. It may be a wire.Hence, when I refer to a stick 2 in a claim, I refer to any othersupport.

For convenience in defining the invention in the claims, it is assumedthat the stick 2 is twirled around a horizontal axis. The inventionapplies if the stick or other sup port has one or two tips. Hence, whenI refer to a single tip, I include an applicator which has two tips.

I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention, but numerouschanges, omissions, additions and substitutions can be made withoutdeparting from its scope.

I claim:

1. A method of shaping an unset tip of absorbent cotton, said unset tipconsisting of spirally wound layers of absorbent cotton which areconnected by adhesive, said unset cotton tip having an inner end whichis fixed to an end of a stick which has a longitudinal axis, said unsettip having a projection which extends outwardly beyond said end of saidstick, which consists in revolving said mass in unison with said stickaround said longitudinal axis, and intermittently applying shapingpressure to said revolving mass in a zone which is intermediate said endof said stick and the outer end of said projection to reduce thediameter of said projection.

2. A method according to claim 1, in which the outer end of saidprojection is shaped by said shaping pressure to form a ball-head.

3. Mechanism for shaping a swab-mass whose inner end is connected to astick at one end of said stick and which has an outer projection whichextends longitudinally outwardly beyond said end of said stick, saidstick having a horizontal longitudinal axis; said mechanism includingtwirling means adapted to twirl said stick in unison with said swab-massaround said horizontal longitudinal axis, said twirling mechanism havingan active part which is operative at a part of said stick which isspaced from said swab-mass, a former, said former being movable upwardlyto an upper active position in which said former contacts with said swabmass, said former being movable downwardly to a lower position in whichit is below said swab-mass, actu ating means for moving said former insuccessive strokes between said upper active position and said lowerposition to contact said former intermittently with said swab-mass, saidformer having a lateral edge between its outer end and its inner end,said lateral edge being perpendicular to said axis, said former havinganother lateral inner edge which is located outwardly relative to saidfirst-mentioned lateral edge, the second-mentioned lateral edge beinghigher than the first-mentioned lateral edge, the upper face of saidformer having a partcylindrical shape between said lateral edges, saidfirstmentioned lateral edge being intermediate the outer end of saidprojection and the end of said stick.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,652,108 Forbis Dec. 6, 1927 1,721,815 Gerstenzang July 23, 19292,006,539 Deford July 2, 1935 2,228,599 Glickston Jan. 14, 19412,430,648 Schonrock Nov. 11, 1947

